Since the end of the 2008 racing season, the high banks of Southern National Motorsports Park have lain silent, but in 2012 the roar of engines will bring the Kenly, NC track back to new life.

On November 7, a final bid for the race track was approved with Michael Diaz as the principal owner. Diaz quickly extended invitations to Jim Dean and Jerry Brown to become partners, both of whom have since signed on. The three owners bring substantial knowledge of local short track racing as well as the financial stability that Southern National needs to thrive. A currently unnamed fourth person is in talks with the owners to possibly invest in the track’s future as well.

“As of 2:30 PM today, this track is in the best financial position it has ever been in and is entirely debt free” said Diaz, Dean and Brown in a statement on Monday. “Over the last decade there has been uncertainty whether racers, vendors and employees would be paid. We would like this community to know these fears will be a distant memory.”

Southern National Motorsports Park will release a full 2012 schedule shortly and steps are being taken to regain the NASCAR sanctioning that the track had from 2006 through 2008. The owners will be in discussions with members of the local racing community regarding what kind of races drivers and fans would like to see at the facility. In the coming weeks fans can expect a new website with news and information pertaining to SNMP.

The new management of Southern National Motorsports Park looks forward to working with the local racing community and using their enthusiasm toward the sport for a great 2012 season.